Ancient Words - Hosea 10:12

Hosea 10:12 Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers His righteousness on you. (NIV)

            The ancient prophet Hosea, who lived in Samaria during the 8^th century before Christ, was both a religious and political seer. His words, which were among the first to be written down among the Hebrew prophets, mostly dealt with the turbulent times that his people were experiencing. Time and time again, Hosea warned the people that there would be severe consequences if the nation failed to honor and worship God with righteousness and love. The country’s leaders were proud and arrogant, deceptive and unaccountable. Hosea saw that this would have disastrous consequences on all the people, so he stridently urged them to get back to the basics of humility and honesty, faith and devotion which were the bedrocks of the Jewish religion.

            Sadly, Hosea’s words were rejected. The people decided that they knew what was best for themselves and wouldn’t allow the words of a Northern prophet to influence their ways. Their fierce independent spirit and puffed up pride wouldn’t permit them to admit they were headed in the wrong direction and that their leaders were pulling them away from the real truths of God. Instead of humbly turning to God’s righteousness and love, they surrendered themselves to their own selfish and sinful desires, which eventually ruined the nation. However, Hosea’s prophecies endured in written form and generations later the people embraced God’s Word by rejecting the rashness and pride which had almost destroyed them.

            As Christians, we are called to be Christ’s representatives in the communities where we live. Although Hosea’s words and warnings are almost three thousand years old, his prophecies still resonate in our current circumstances. The call to righteousness and love, as well as humility and honesty, is as relevant today as it ever has been, so we are left with the same dilemma: to humbly embrace God’s will or defiantly reject His ways. As always, the choice is ours – the consequences remain to be seen.

Point to Ponder

How does God’s Word affect my life? How is His Word reflected in my community?

Prayer:  Lord God, Your ways are meant to be honored and revered, worshiped and adored. Forgive us when we allow our pride to hide the truth and twist Your Word. Speak to us today in our hearts and communities. Protect us from our pride and misguided paths. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Christmas candle drawings. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Candles.

Times of Refreshing - Acts 3:19-20a

Acts 3:19-20a  Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. (NRSV)

            We have all been emotionally impacted by the tragic events that have occurred over the past few weeks. Hurricanes and floods, mass murder and terrorism, and even the deaths of music icons like Tom Petty, have severely dented the well-being and joy of our spirits. As we wake up each day, we all wonder what sort of world we will encounter and what new crisis may be just around the corner. It seems that life has lost some of its sparkle and that we are all living in some sort of global Shakespearean tragedy from which there is no escape or happy ending.

            God doesn’t want us to feel pain or unhappiness, to be depressed by events beyond our control or fearful of what could happen. He wants us to turn away from the darkness and despair in the world in order to be welcomed into His light and love, so that our weary souls may be refreshed and our sorrowful spirits may be uplifted. Because God cares for who we are and what we experience, His presence is with us every day, no matter what occurs, where we are, or what we do. In times like these, it’s very easy to withdraw from the world and isolate ourselves, but God does not want us to emotionally hibernate from all the people, places, and things around us. We were created by Him to enjoy what He has made and to be reassured that we are not on our own.

            Perhaps you are feeling down and discouraged. Maybe you are anxious about the future and don’t understand why bad things happen. Perhaps you are really tired and in a rut simply because you are carrying burdens or responsibilities that are heavy to bear. I’ve been there, too, and know how easy it is to slide back into despondency. But I’ve also known the refreshing experience of turning to God like a child to be comforted and consoled by His love, compassion, and care. I hope and pray that you will seek these blessings, too.

Point to ponder

What scares and saddens me about the world? Am I willing to turn to God for guidance, hope, and strength?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You personally suffered a great tragedy and terrifying pain. You perfectly understand how we feel when we are faced with sorrowful circumstances and emotional despair. Allow Your Spirit to come to us when we turn back to You. Refresh our weary spirits and renew our personal faith. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.  You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. If you would like to send John a message about today’s devotional, please email him at Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Mackintosh style drawings called ‘The Love of Roses.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Roses.